Liver Cancer-Derived Hepatitis C Virus Core Proteins Shift TGF-Beta Responses from Tumor Suppression to Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
2009

HCV Core Proteins Change TGF-Beta Responses in Liver Cancer

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Battaglia Serena, Benzoubir Nassima, Nobilet Soizic, Charneau Pierre, Samuel Didier, Zignego Anna Linda, Atfi Azeddine, Bréchot Christian, Bourgeade Marie-Françoise

Primary Institution: Inserm, Unité 785, Villejuif, France

Hypothesis

The study investigates how HCV core proteins affect TGF-β signaling in liver cancer progression.

Conclusion

HCV core proteins can shift TGF-β responses from tumor suppression to promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

Supporting Evidence

  • HCV core protein expression reduces TGF-β-induced cell growth inhibition.
  • HCV core proteins promote EMT in hepatocytes.
  • Different HCV core variants interact differently with Smad3.

Takeaway

This study shows that a virus can change how a protein in the body works, making it help cancer grow instead of stopping it.

Methodology

The study used primary human and mouse hepatocytes to analyze the effects of HCV core proteins on TGF-β signaling.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004355

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